Office of Research Development

Kids-Inspired Innovation for Careers in Science (KIICS) Program

Overview

The Kids-Inspired Innovation for Careers in Science (KIICS) program provides PhD candidates from Northwestern University’s Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences and NU's Interdepartmental Neuroscience Program with a unique opportunity to enhance their research through hands-on clinical exposure at Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, with access to the knowledge base and resources of Stanley Manne Children's Research Institute. KIICS is a nine-month immersive program designed to bridge the gap between bench-side research and bedside application. 

Why Join KIICS?

Enhance Your Research Impact

  • Gain Clinical Insights: Shadow physicians on rounds, participate in case study conferences, and observe clinical practices to understand how your research can directly impact patient care.
  • Expand Your Perspective: Engage with healthcare professionals and explore the clinical context of your scientific work, enhancing your ability to translate research into practical solutions.
    Build Essential Skills
  • Effective Communication: Improve your ability to articulate complex research ideas to clinical audiences through elevator pitches and “Shocker Lunches.”
  • Collaboration: Learn how to work effectively with clinical partners and understand the challenges they face, fostering stronger interdisciplinary collaborations.

Shape Your Career Path

  • Discover New Opportunities: Explore potential career paths in translational research and develop a deeper understanding of how to make a tangible impact on human health.
  • Professional Development: Gain experience in clinical settings, enhancing your CV and making you a more competitive candidate for future academic and industry positions.

Program Highlights

Clinical Experience

  • Shadowing: Join pediatricians on rounds in one of four key divisions, including Infectious Diseases, Neurology, Endocrinology, and Cardiology.
  • Clinical Interactions: Attend grand rounds, outpatient clinics, and case study conferences.

Interactive Learning

  • Journal Clubs: Participate in discussions on clinical trials and medical research.
  • “Shocker Lunches”: Share and discuss surprising clinical observations with peers and faculty.

Mentorship & Support

  • One-on-One Debriefings: Receive personalized feedback and guidance from faculty members.
  • Elevator Pitches: Develop and present concise summaries of your research and its clinical implications.

Hybrid Format

  • In-Person: Participate in clinical rounds and team meetings.
  • Virtual: Engage in journal clubs, case conferences, and debriefings via Zoom.

Eligibility

  • Who Can Apply?: Open to PhD candidates and postdocs in the Driskill Graduate Program and NU Interdepartmental Neuroscience.
  • Target Participants: Biomedical doctoral trainees interested in understanding the clinical impact of their research.

How to Apply

Contact Us

For more information, reach out to our program team:
Mehreen Arshad, MD, KIICS Program Director
Alison Bender, KIICS Program Coordinator